Solomon Islands new Climate Change Policy to aid national efforts

Solomon Islands reflected its response to the challenges of climate change during its recent launch of the country's National Climate Change Policy 2012 – 2017.

The launch held on the 29th of June 2012 was a historic one for the country and a significant achievement for the Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change Project, as the policy formulates a more national approach toward addressing the impacts of climate change and achieving sustainable development.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Hon. Mr Gordon Darcy Lilo said that the policy demonstrates to the world that the national Government and the people intends to be more pro active, strategic and are taking ownership of planning and implementing adaptation, risk reduction and mitigation actions.

                                                          Stakeholders at the Solomon Islands NCCP Launch

Funding and support were provided under the PACC Project as part of its objectives to enhance the capacity of national institutions, their planning and coordination frameworks to address the the negative impacts of climate change.

According to the Solomon Is PACC Coordinator Mr Casper Supa, it was challenging to carry out the project and other climate change initiatives in the country without a policy.

"It was like navigating without a compass to guide our journeys as we go along."

He said that with the policy roles of different institutions are clearly identified which will enhance coordination of climate change work at different levels both local and national, and provide opportunities for cooperation and collaboration between the government and other non-state actors involved with climate change adaptation initiatives in the country.

And the efforts of the PACC Project in the area of climate change and adaptation will become better recognised by different stakeholders, government and non government agencies, and donors.

Officials are now working to translate the policy to a language understood by the grass roots people, illustrating that clear link between the policy and their situation in their communities.

The development of the National Climate Change Policy 2012-2017 was a joint effort between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) within the framework of the National Coalition for Rural Advancement.

This has been made possible with funding support of the Global Environment Facility and the Australian Government through the PACC Project implemented through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and executed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

Additional support was also provided by the Adaptation Fund (AF), the World Bank and Asia Development Bank.

Solomon Islands is part of the 14 member countries under the PACC Project and is focused on improving the ability of isolated low lying island communities address food production and food security issues impacted by climate change.

Click on link to view the Solomon Islands Climate Change Policy 2012 - 2017

For more information please contact Solomon Is PACC Coordinator Mr Casper Supa at [email protected]